Abstract: A method for making fatty acid esters by reacting triglycerides with an excess of alcohol in a pressurized environment, where the unreacted alcohol component is separated from the reaction product by a flash purification techniques. In this manner, the pressure of the product stream is significantly reduced to vaporize unreacted alcohol, which is then condensed for later reuse. The invention provides a cost-effective and convenient mechanism to simultaneously recycle excess alcohol and to purify ester product and/or glycerol product streams.
Abstract: A continuous method and apparatus for making biodiesel fuel from glycerides such as vegetable oil employs a two-stage reactor provided with recycle. Yields of 95% and greater are readily achieved in a continuous mode of operation.
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